Washington Monument could be closed and covered in scaffolding into 2014 during rehab

July 18, 2012 |

Drew Ballensky

Repairs due to earthquake damage will require the 555-foot Washington Monument to be closed and shrouded in scaffolding into 2014. The $15 million project will necessitate the temporary removal of part of the granite plaza surrounding the monument, and the bracing of huge stone slabs that now rest on cracked supports near the structure’s top.

The marble and granite monument was extensively damaged by the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Washington, DC area last Aug. 23. The structure sustained cracks and loosened pieces of stone and mortar. The monument has been closed since the quake struck, and officials had said that it might open next year, but the complex restoration effort could stretch into 2014.

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University.
Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.